Emergencies

What is an emergency?

When things go wrong in an alien environment, it is normal to assume the world is about to end. Please resist the temptation to phone parents immediately when problems occur. They are in a different country and time zone and are unable to assist. The Stamford Office maintains a 24- hour emergency service(contact numbers bottom of this page) for dire situations that cannot wait until normal business hours. Please be aware that in most cases assistance after hours can only consist of telephone support and advice. Please refrain from calling our 24-hour emergency service for questions of a routine nature like return flight changes, confirmations, or items that can wait until the next business day.

Extreme emergencies

In the event of an extreme medical or legal emergency, you should take comfort in the fact that Team Assist is there to help. This support organisation is in place to assist you in a major crisis situation; whether it be a critical medical or legal issue, Team Assist is available 24-hours a day. We ask that you use this service in exceptional circumstances only, as in most cases Camp America's emergency service can help you. In the U.S., Team Assist can be reached at 1-866-509-7714, or outside the U.S. you may call collect at 1-603-328-1714

Contact Details:

Use the contact details on this page for any queries you may have once you are in the U.S. When contacting our Stamford Office please identify yourself clearly by stating your name and membership number

E-MAIL is probably the most efficient and effective means of contacting our office. We have a general e-mail address available, but also have a number of departmental addresses if you have a specific query.

General enquires participants@campamerica.co.uk
Insurance enquires evetrano@aifs.com

FAX is one of the best ways to reach us - but again please mark clearly which department or staff member your query is for.
+1 203 399 5595

POST If your queries are of a non-urgent nature, we ask that you send them to us by post. This will help to keep phone lines clear. It will be helpful if you can address your request to the correct department (e.g. an insurance query should be addressed to the insurance department). Addressing your envelope correctly will ensure that your query will be dealt with quickly! For example:

Return Flight Department Insurance Department
Camp America Resort America
River Plaza River Plaza
9 West Broad Street 9 West Broad Street
Stamford CT 06902-3788 Stamford CT 06902-3788

TELEPHONE
Please contact us by phone only if your query is urgent! If you do speak to a staff member, always remember to keep a record of their name to help in case of any future queries.

CAMP AMERICA US OFFICE (9am-5pm) 1 203 399 5409
CAMP AMERICA US OFFICE (9am-5pm)1 800 727 8233
FREE PHONE (24 hours for emergencies) 1 866 222 2074 - please note this number is only free if you're calling from a landline or pay phone within the US. Mobile calls will incur a charge.
Insurance Claims 1 203 399 5132
The Ramada Hotel 1 973 386 5622

What to Do in a Flood

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

Listen to the radio or television for information.
Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

Driving Flood Facts

The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:

Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
A foot of water will float many vehicles.
Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pick-ups.

What to Do in a Tornado

If you are in: A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)

Then: Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

If you are in: A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home

Then: Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

If you are in: The outside with no shelter

Then: Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.

Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

For more information on other situations click here.